Landslide risk elevated as February approaches rainfall record

Nick Jankens of Tacoma jogs on Ruston Way while his reflection jogs in a pool of water from the rain in Tacoma on Monday. Jankens ran long distance at Evergreen Lutheran High School when he was a student. Lui Kit Wonglwong@thenewstribune.com

Nick Jankens of Tacoma jogs on Ruston Way while his reflection jogs in a pool of water from the rain in Tacoma on Monday. Jankens ran long distance at Evergreen Lutheran High School when he was a student. Lui Kit Wonglwong@thenewstribune.com

The risk for landslide remains elevated as the month inches closer to becoming the wettest February on record in the Puget Sound. Weather forecasters said the Cascades were also expected to see a dump of snow Monday night.

With eight days to go, the month has recorded 8.26 inches of rain at Sea-Tac Airport, according to the National Weather Service. It is currently the fourth wettest February on record and meteorologists said it could soon move into third place by passing the 1996 mark of 8.35 inches.

At 8.06&quot; Seattle 6th wettest February on record. Rain at times Monday. 4th place on Mon 8.11&quot; (72) and in 3rd by Mon night 8.35&quot; (96).#wawx

Burg said there is a chance of rain Tuesday (Feb. 21) and a chance of showers through Friday. Saturday should be sunny and dry, he said, with a chance of showers again Sunday.

“The threat of landslide remains elevated because of all the rain,” Burg said. “Maybe a little better, but it is still there.”

Skiers could expect plenty of powder Tuesday. Crystal Mountain and White Pass could get 6-11 inches of fresh snow overnight, Burg said. In King County, snow was also expected — just not as much as points south.

Monday evening, backcountry avalanche risk was listed as “considerable” for the South Cascades and “moderate” for the Snoqualmie Pass area.